Underrated? She's been out there on the AAU circuit awhile being evaluated by the people who know the most and was with the AIA Program for a bit I believe. AIA top 10 kids usually get multiple D1 offers so I can only suspect that she wasn't on the top team. She must have deficiencies the D1 people are concerned about. They probably don't see her style of play translating to their level. Regardless of that, she's still deferred the cost of her education and will be playing ball in the GLVC. Nothing is wrong with that.
Iowa WBB 2025 Recruiting Thread
- Thread starter BraydonRoberts5
- Start date
Looks like Journey Houston and DN's State Playoffs start on Monday @ 1:30p. Here are a few season stat lines of interest pulled from it.
Iowa high school girls’ state basketball 2025: Brackets, predictions, top players and more
5A PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journey Houston, 5-11, sr., Davenport North — University of Iowa signee averages 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals per game. Shoots 58.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 73.0 percent from the line.
Jenica Lewis, 5-10, jr., Johnston — No. 15 2016 recruit (ESPN) averages 18.8 points and 3.2 assists per game, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.68-to-1. Shoots 47.0 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from 3-point range and 88.5 percent from the line.
www.thegazette.com
Iowa high school girls’ state basketball 2025: Brackets, predictions, top players and more
5A PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journey Houston, 5-11, sr., Davenport North — University of Iowa signee averages 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals per game. Shoots 58.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 73.0 percent from the line.
Jenica Lewis, 5-10, jr., Johnston — No. 15 2016 recruit (ESPN) averages 18.8 points and 3.2 assists per game, with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.68-to-1. Shoots 47.0 percent from the field, 36.1 percent from 3-point range and 88.5 percent from the line.
Iowa high school girls’ state basketball 2025: Brackets, predictions, top players and more
The 2025 Iowa girls’ high school state basketball tournament smorgasbord: Brackets, predictions, top players and more for the coming week at Wells Fargo Arena.
www.thegazette.com
I think I mentioned Finley earlier this year as looking good. Drake commit.
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Journey Houston Eval by Coach Beechum (Report Date: 2/26/25)
At least I'm not nuts in thinking Journey has the potential to help fill/backup that 4 spot if all else fails with Hannah, Teagan and the portal for next year. Need to recoup as much as possible of Syd's production on both ends of the floor.
"Regional Most Outstanding Player"
"Offensive Impact
1. Three-Level Scoring
- Elite scoring efficiency (59% FG)
- Consistent high-volume producer (20.0 PPG)
- Developing perimeter game (37% 3PT)"
"Defensive Impact
1. Disruptive Defender
- Elite steal production (4.0 SPG)
- Length advantage at guard position
- High motor and competitive intensity"
"College Potential
- Elite-level Big Ten prospect
- Projected to play 2-3 position (possibly 4) at Iowa
- All Iowa Attack to Iowa pipeline continues"
"Scouting Notes
- "High motor" and "very competitive" (self-assessment)
- Strong at "getting to the basket and rebounding" (self-assessment)"
For full report click -> Show more
At least I'm not nuts in thinking Journey has the potential to help fill/backup that 4 spot if all else fails with Hannah, Teagan and the portal for next year. Need to recoup as much as possible of Syd's production on both ends of the floor.
"Regional Most Outstanding Player"
"Offensive Impact
1. Three-Level Scoring
- Elite scoring efficiency (59% FG)
- Consistent high-volume producer (20.0 PPG)
- Developing perimeter game (37% 3PT)"
"Defensive Impact
1. Disruptive Defender
- Elite steal production (4.0 SPG)
- Length advantage at guard position
- High motor and competitive intensity"
"College Potential
- Elite-level Big Ten prospect
- Projected to play 2-3 position (possibly 4) at Iowa
- All Iowa Attack to Iowa pipeline continues"
"Scouting Notes
- "High motor" and "very competitive" (self-assessment)
- Strong at "getting to the basket and rebounding" (self-assessment)"
For full report click -> Show more
Now that Journey has one regular season under her belt after the injury, we can see by the numbers she has already made great strides at trying to reclaim her 5🌟 status she once had.
Below is how she compares to other 5A players going to state. Also inserted her stats [] if she didn't make top 5 in a category.
Article Title: Taking a Quick Look at the Class 5A State Girls Basketball Tournament
"An Iowa recruit, Houston leads the Wildcats with 20.4 points per game to go with 7.5 rebounds, 4 steals and 3.7 assists per game."
yourprepsports.com
Other recent source:
"5A PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journey Houston, 5-11, sr., Davenport North — University of Iowa signee averages 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals per game. Shoots 58.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 73.0 percent from the line."
www.thegazette.com
Below is how she compares to other 5A players going to state. Also inserted her stats [] if she didn't make top 5 in a category.
Article Title: Taking a Quick Look at the Class 5A State Girls Basketball Tournament
"An Iowa recruit, Houston leads the Wildcats with 20.4 points per game to go with 7.5 rebounds, 4 steals and 3.7 assists per game."
The Numbers
Scoring Leaders
- Natalie Ramsey, Jr., Liberty High – 22.8
- Journey Houston, Sr., Davenport North – 20.4
- Ava Zediker, Sr., West Des Moines Dowling – 18.8
- Jenica Lewis, Jr., Johnston – 18.8
- Divine Bourrage, Sr., Davenport North – 18.7
Rebounding Leaders
- Ellie Muller, Jr., West Des Moines Dowling – 11.2
- Natalie Ramsey, Jr., Liberty High – 10.5
- Divine Bourrage, Sr., Davenport North – 8.8
- Jaeden Pratt, Sr., Ankeny Centennial – 8.7
- Isabelle Kremer, Jr., Pleasant Valley – 8.5
- [Journey Houston, Sr., Davenport North – 7.5]
Assist Leaders
- Reagan Pagniano, Sr., Pleasant Valley – 6.9
- Divine Bourrage, Sr., Davenport North – 6
- KeaOnna Worley, Soph., Cedar Rapids Prairie – 5.5
- Ava Casey, Soph., Liberty High – 4.6
- Mya Crawford, Sr., Ankeny Centennial – 3.8
- [Journey Houston, Sr., Davenport North – 3.75 (split difference of 3.7 & 3.8 between 2 sources)]
3-point Leaders
- Maddie Casey, Sr., Liberty High – 3.1
- Jenica Lewis, Jr., Johnston – 3
- Emily Larsen, Jr., Cedar Rapids Prairie – 2.7
- Romey Croatt, Soph., Waukee Northwest – 2.6
- Reagan Pagniano, Sr., Pleasant Valley – 2.3
- [Journey Houston, Sr., Davenport North – 36.4% from 3-point range]
Steal Leaders
- Journey Houston, Sr., Davenport North – 4
- Reagan Pagniano, Sr., Pleasant Valley – 3.7
- Jenica Lewis, Jr., Johnston – 3.5
- Mya Crawford, Sr., Ankeny Centennial – 3
- Divine Bourrage, Sr., Davenport North – 2.7
Taking a Quick Look at the Class 5A State Girls Basketball Tournament - Your Prep Sports
The Matchups No. 1 Johnston (23-0) vs. No. 8 Liberty High (17-6) Liberty High makes its state tournament debut in just its eighth season as a program and will attempt to add to what has already been the best season in history. The Lightning set a single-season program record for wins and...
yourprepsports.com
Other recent source:
"5A PLAYERS TO WATCH
Journey Houston, 5-11, sr., Davenport North — University of Iowa signee averages 20.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals per game. Shoots 58.8 percent from the field, 36.4 percent from 3-point range and 73.0 percent from the line."
Iowa high school girls’ state basketball 2025: Brackets, predictions, top players and more
The 2025 Iowa girls’ high school state basketball tournament smorgasbord: Brackets, predictions, top players and more for the coming week at Wells Fargo Arena.
www.thegazette.com
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Just a note on how close Addie Deal and the #2 Mater Dei Monarchs came to winning the Southern Section Open Division.
Mater Dei lost to #6 Etiwanda by only 3 points (63-60) several day ago. Had they won that game, they would of played No. 1 Ontario Christian for that championship.
#1 Ontario Christian ended up beating #6 Etiwanda by only 2 points (65-63) in the championship game last night.
It's unfortunate Mater Dei had their 2nd and 3rd best players out for that game against #6 Etiwanda. Had they had a healthy roster, it's looking like they could have had a very good chance to win it by only taking scores into consideration.
Addie and the Monarchs still have another chance as their state run begins on Mar 4th.
HIGHLIGHTS: No. 1 Ontario Christian outlasts No. 6 Etiwanda 65-63 in thrilling Southern Section Open Division championship game
www.maxpreps.com
EDIT:
Updated road to state begins:
OPEN DIVISION PLAYOFFS - RD 1
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5th @ MATER DEI HS
#3 Mater Dei vs #5 @bmhsgirlshoops (Bishop Montgomery)
TIP-OFF: 7:00pm
Mater Dei won their first meeting by the score of 83-49 on 12/28/24.
If Mater Dei wins, they get another crack to turn the tables on Etiwanda (see bracket below).
2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championship Bracket (Open Division )
www.maxpreps.com
Mater Dei lost to #6 Etiwanda by only 3 points (63-60) several day ago. Had they won that game, they would of played No. 1 Ontario Christian for that championship.
#1 Ontario Christian ended up beating #6 Etiwanda by only 2 points (65-63) in the championship game last night.
It's unfortunate Mater Dei had their 2nd and 3rd best players out for that game against #6 Etiwanda. Had they had a healthy roster, it's looking like they could have had a very good chance to win it by only taking scores into consideration.
Addie and the Monarchs still have another chance as their state run begins on Mar 4th.
HIGHLIGHTS: No. 1 Ontario Christian outlasts No. 6 Etiwanda 65-63 in thrilling Southern Section Open Division championship game
HIGHLIGHTS: No. 1 Ontario Christian outlasts No. 6 Etiwanda 65-63 in thrilling Southern Section Open Division championship game
MaxPreps News - Freshman Tati Griffin paces top-ranked Knights with 29, including clutch 3-pointer in see-saw fourth quarter.
www.maxpreps.com
EDIT:
Updated road to state begins:
OPEN DIVISION PLAYOFFS - RD 1
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5th @ MATER DEI HS
#3 Mater Dei vs #5 @bmhsgirlshoops (Bishop Montgomery)
TIP-OFF: 7:00pm
Mater Dei won their first meeting by the score of 83-49 on 12/28/24.
If Mater Dei wins, they get another crack to turn the tables on Etiwanda (see bracket below).
2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championship Bracket (Open Division )
2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championships (Open Division )
View the 2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championships (Open Division ) Bracket
www.maxpreps.com
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Look at that lady in the fourth pic under 'The Throne Selected Teams'. She's a headliner for it!
Addie's team is one of 8 invited to play in 'The Throne Hoops'.
It looks like a single elimination tournament by the bracket.
The Throne high school Basketball National Championship Tournament set to return this March
For more info on this tournament...
"NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2025) — The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE) announced today the return of The Throne, a one-of-a-kind platform bringing a bracket-style basketball tournament to the high school ranks. The Throne will feature the nation’s top eight boys’ and girls’ high school basketball teams competing for the title of National Champions. The tournament is set to take place in East Rutherford, N.J., at American Dream from March 27-29, 2025. The championship teams in the boys' and girls' brackets will be awarded a grant from the NBPA Foundation to support their respective athletic programs."
nbpa.com
Addie's team is one of 8 invited to play in 'The Throne Hoops'.
It looks like a single elimination tournament by the bracket.
The Throne high school Basketball National Championship Tournament set to return this March
For more info on this tournament...
"NEW YORK (Jan. 30, 2025) — The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE) announced today the return of The Throne, a one-of-a-kind platform bringing a bracket-style basketball tournament to the high school ranks. The Throne will feature the nation’s top eight boys’ and girls’ high school basketball teams competing for the title of National Champions. The tournament is set to take place in East Rutherford, N.J., at American Dream from March 27-29, 2025. The championship teams in the boys' and girls' brackets will be awarded a grant from the NBPA Foundation to support their respective athletic programs."
THE THRONE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SET TO RETURN THIS MARCH
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to...
nbpa.com
??? Deal is a senior so will be a 25 graduate.
Addie Deal - 2nd Team
Here's where each player was placed on the Naismith All-American Teams.
She even made it higher than others ranked above her on ESPN. Including: #4 Agot Makeer, #5 Aaliyah Crump, #6 Grace Knox, #7 Emilee Skinner, #8 Darianna Alexander, #9 Hailee Swain, #10 Jordan Speiser, #12 Divine Bourrage, #13 ZaKiyah Johnson, #14 Deniya Prawl, #15 Kaelyn Carroll, #16 Lara Somfai and #17 Jaliya Davis
She's Top 10 for sure, if not Top 5 in the class of 2025!
"On Wednesday afternoon, Iowa signee Addie Deal was named a Naismith Trophy second team all-American.
"Addie is one of the nation's premier point guards and off guards - she can play either," Jensen said when Deal signed. "She has an extremely high IQ, and she is extremely talented. One thing that I'll always be thankful for with Addie and Journey is that they held their commitments.""
Btw, believe these 247Sports rankings match up better with her having 2nd Team Naismith All-American status.
She was rated #2 on 6/28/2024. Then went to #9 on 9/19/24.
Addie Deal at Mater Dei Recruit Rank History
247sports.com
Prospects Nation has her at #8.
2025 Ranked Players | Prospects Nation
She even made it higher than others ranked above her on Prospects Nation. Including: #4 ZaKiyah Johnson, #5 Hailee Swain, #6 Emilee Skinner and #7 Agot Makeer
Again, she's Top 10 for sure, if not Top 5 in the class of 2025!
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Addie Deal's team wins their 1st round game to the state championship 76-40.
Her stat line: 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
They play #2 Etiwanda again on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Their 3rd best player (Kiernan) is finally back so that helps. She was out during the Etiwanda game a few days ago.
Mater Dei starts CIF State Open Regional with decisive win over Bishop Montgomery
ocsportszone.com
8 teams remain for the CA State Championship (Open Division). Here's the remaining bracket:
www.maxpreps.com
Her stat line: 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
They play #2 Etiwanda again on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Their 3rd best player (Kiernan) is finally back so that helps. She was out during the Etiwanda game a few days ago.
Mater Dei starts CIF State Open Regional with decisive win over Bishop Montgomery
Mater Dei starts CIF State Open Regional with decisive win over Bishop Montgomery -
No. 3 seeded Mater Dei opened the CIF State Girls Open Division Regional playoffs with a 76-40 victory over No. 6 Bishop Montgomery Wednesday night at Mater Dei. The Monarchs (29-3) move on to the semifinals Saturday against No. 2 Etiwanda (25-5) Saturday at 7 p.m. on the road. Etiwanda had a...
ocsportszone.com
8 teams remain for the CA State Championship (Open Division). Here's the remaining bracket:
2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championships (Open Division )
View the 2025 CIF State Girls Basketball Championships (Open Division ) Bracket
www.maxpreps.com
I don't think people realize how close Iowa was to a tremendous year. Change one shot in 5 different games and Iowa could've been the 2nd best team in the Big Ten and easily hosting the first two rounds of the Tournament again:
at Michigan State: Olsen had a midrange jumper for the win but missed it.
vs. Nebraska: If Iowa wasn't horrible from the line in the 4th it wins in regulation.
at Oregon: O'Grady had a midrange jumper for the win but missed it.
at Ohio State: one more basket in regulation and Iowa wins.
vs. UCLA: O'Grady had a three for the win and missed. Olsen also got called for a horrible foul just before.
You can't change the past obviously, but Iowa's true talent level is clearly better than its record. Iowa has had some good luck in past seasons and this year its luck was bad. That said, there's a reason teams aren't going to want to play Iowa in March.
Also in that Nebraska game, Guyton had a chance to win the game just before the buzzer, but her layup rolled off the rim to send the game into overtime.
I believe that Guyton missed a wide open layup that would have won the home game against Nebraska that they lost in OT.
Well said, You want to be playing your best ball in March and while Iowa isn’t ranked, In the last month they have been playing overall like a top ten team. Hope they can keep it up.
20-9, 10-8, tied for eighth in the big ten.
That's a good season no matter how you look at it.
That's a good season no matter how you look at it.
At Illinois we were down 3 under a minute left in the game. We missed two free throws to go 8-17 for the game. Shooting a decent FT percentage that game could have went another way too....and do not get me started on the Lucy foul against UCLA where it should have been a moving screen.
.We improved through the year and have been playing good basketball. Lisa's team traditionally got better as the season moved on. I'm happy Jan's first year seems to be the same.
For perspective, our season to this point has been almost identical to Caitlin Clark's freshman year when we lost to UCONN in the Sweet Sixteen.
20-21: 20-10, 11-8, 6th in the Big Ten (out of 16), #10 SOS.
24-25: 20-9, 10-8, 8th in the Big Ten (out of 20), #3 SOS.
If anything this year has been more impressive.
And they also led the Tennessee game with less than 5 minutes left before blowing up. Iowa has been close in basically all of its losses.At Illinois we were down 3 under a minute left in the game. We missed two free throws to go 8-17 for the game. Shooting a decent FT percentage that game could have went another way too....and do not get me started on the Lucy foul against UCLA where it should have been a moving screen.
We improved through the year and have been playing good basketball. Lisa's team traditionally got better as the season moved on. I'm happy Jan's first year seems to be the same.
I was just pointing out the 5 that were so close that if you changed a single play, Iowa would've won it. Just really bad luck to take losses in all 5.
Either Iowa is immensely talented and its coaching failure or they lack talent and the coaching excels. Or simply they are average at both. Shoulda, coulda , woulda
I don't know if you are kidding here or not. I believe this woman's team is much better than early on in the season. As Jan said in her interview it took a bit for them to figure each other out and who and where to pass to at a given time to make the offence flow better.
Better defensively than at first also.
Better defensively than at first also.
I respectfully disagree. There are many other variables to success other than just talent or coaching. All those variables can improve or degrade during the course of the season. Same coach, same players, same opponent BUT different games can produce vastly disparate results.
You are already looking forward to the days of Notre Dame and North Carolina being in the Big Ten, it seems
I don't think anyone actually knows how many teams are in the big ten.You are already looking forward to the days of Notre Dame and North Carolina being in the Big Ten, it seems
Many of our returning players weren’t playing big minutes until this year. And we’ve played 4 freshman at crucial points in various games. With inexperience and youth you knew this year was going to be about growth. I’d say the talent is there and those shoulda, coulda, woulda games have helped this team grow and improve.
Here are some highlights from Addie Deal in their 1st round win (76-40) to the state championship on Wednesday.
Her stat line: 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
Highlights on second image...
Her stat line: 27 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists
Highlights on second image...
I hope that Addie Deal and Mater Dei’s rematch tonight against Etiwanda has a full replay available later. I’m not going to pay $12/month to watch California high school basketball, but this one game should be a good demonstration of Deal’s game.
Mater Dei was short two starters for the last matchup, but get one back tonight. Etiwanda has two McDonald All-Americans.
www.sportingnews.com
Mater Dei was short two starters for the last matchup, but get one back tonight. Etiwanda has two McDonald All-Americans.
How to watch Etiwanda vs. Mater Dei high school girls basketball in California quarterfinals | Sporting News
Etiwanda edged out Mater Dei 63-60 just two weeks ago in the last game of CIF-SS Open Division pool play.
You know Addie Deal is gonna be a good one when she makes a left side layup using her left hand.
Megan Gustafson had an exercise at the hoop that she did left hand layup right hand layup over and over.
Mikan drill. Good drill for bigs
Master Basketball Layups with Addie Deal Demonstrating the Mikan Drill
Unfornately, it looks like Addie Deal's team could not knock down the door on their "redemption tour" for the state run as they follow in the Hawks footsteps with a 57-67 loss.
Her stat line: 29 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
ocsportszone.com
However, they have one more chance at National Champs yet. Made a post about it here:
iowa.forums.rivals.com
Her stat line: 29 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists
CIF State So Cal Regional highlights and final scores for OC teams Saturday, March 8 -
BOYS DIVISION I SIERRA CANYON 68, JSERRA 64 (2 OTs): Dominic Bolton scored 19 points, Brannon Martinsen 17 points and BJ Davis-Ray 15 points to lead the Lions (24-11). GIRLS OPEN DIVISION ETIWANDA 67, MATER DEI 57: Addie Deal scored 29 points, grabbed eight rebounds and had six assists to lead...
ocsportszone.com
However, they have one more chance at National Champs yet. Made a post about it here:
Iowa WBB 2025 Recruiting Thread
Lauren Walker Dewitt Central? She plays hard and she shows a lot of toughness. This is definitely a girl that could be heading to the portal someday. She has to be the most underrated player in the state of Iowa. I’ve seen her play three times. She’s a fantastic player. She committed to Lewis...
iowa.forums.rivals.com
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Bummer.Unfornately, it looks like Addie Deal's team could not knock down the door on their "redemption tour" for the state run as they follow in the Hawks footsteps with a 57-67 loss.
However, they have one more chance at National Champs yet. Made a post about it here:
Iowa WBB 2025 Recruiting Thread
Lauren Walker Dewitt Central? She plays hard and she shows a lot of toughness. This is definitely a girl that could be heading to the portal someday. She has to be the most underrated player in the state of Iowa. I’ve seen her play three times. She’s a fantastic player. She committed to Lewis...
Crazy to think it will likely only be a few more months before Deal is shooting baskets in Iowa City.
On a brighter note, Lalya Hays's team is still making its way to a run. Wasilla girls 73, Soldotna 29
Her stat line: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks
"The Warriors ended the regular season on an offensive tear and kept it going in the NLC semifinals, rolling to a 73-29 win over Soldotna behind Kroon’s 27 points."
alaskasportsreport.com
Her stat line: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks
"The Warriors ended the regular season on an offensive tear and kept it going in the NLC semifinals, rolling to a 73-29 win over Soldotna behind Kroon’s 27 points."
4A Roundball Roundup: Gaines nets CIC girls record 52 points; West snaps East’s 52-game streak; Palmer upsets Grace; Bears, Kings feast in Southeast
The Alaska Sports Report provides in-depth daily coverage of Alaska athletes.
alaskasportsreport.com
